Champagne cocktail recipes

Waking up hungover on Jan. 1 isn't a stellar way to start the New Year, but neither is discovering that you didn't even put a dent in all that champagne you bought in a pre-party frenzy. Unless you want to be drinking bubbly with every meal from now until Valentine's Day, you need to send out some invites, pop some bottles and get down to business.

Whether you're pre-partying at your place before heading out to dinner or brunching with bubbly the next day, four local mixologists have assembled a few recipes to help you welcome 2013 in style.

FOR THE BUDDING MIXOLOGIST

Even if you've never made anything that doesn't end in "-tini," you can still mix up a few quick and easy cocktails for party guests on New Year's--and anyone that may wake up on your floor the next morning.

MIKE RYAN of Sable Kitchen and Bar recommends ...

THE NIGHT BEFORE:On a Pale HorseAn apocalyptic party-starter1 ounce London dry gin such as Beefeater or Tanqueray1/4 ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice1 bottle dry sparkling wineBrandied cherriesShake gin, maraschino liqueur and lemon juice and strain them into a champagne flute. Top it off with a dry sparkling wine and toss in a brandied cherry.

THE MORNING AFTER: From the AshesTo dispel the fog of excess1 ounce grapefruit juice1/2 ounce honey1 bottle sparkling wine3-7 dashes absinthe, depending on your tastePour grapefruit juice, honey and absinthe straight into a flute and fill the rest of the way with sparkling wine. Sip slowly until vigor is restored.

The time and craftsmanship these libations require mean they aren't for the faint of heart (or the under- stocked of liquor cabinet supplies). If you have the time and the means, though, they'll show your guests a night they won't soon forget. Unless they do--but then, what are morning-after drinks for?

BENJAMIN NEWBY, formerly of Drumbar recommends ...

THE NIGHT BEFORE: Black Bubbles Sexy, sweet and special1 ounce tangerine and berry puree 1/2 ounce Hennessy Black cognac Bottle of sparkling wine To make puree, blend 2 raspberries, 1 teaspoon water and 1/2 teaspoon sugar with a peeled tangerine in a blender, then strain the puree to get rid of the pulp. Shake with Hennessy Black and strain into a flute, then stick in a cocktail straw. Top off with Chandon and remove the straw before serving. (Newby's tip: The straw will prevent the cock- tail from overflowing with fizz).

THE MORNING AFTER: Bubble de Chandon Full of Mother Nature's best remedies 1 ounce honey syrup 1 ounce ginger beer 1 bottle of Chandon sparkling wine To make honey syrup, melt honey in an equivalent amount of hot water and let it cool. Pour directly into a flute with ginger beer, top off with sparkling wine and enjoy with a ripe banana to boost your potassium.

MICHAEL SIMON of Carriage House recommends ...

THE NIGHT BEFORE: Green with Envy Make sure to take pictures so you can piece together the evening 1 ounce freshly juiced pineapple juice (Simon's tip: Don't slack!) 1 ounce green chartreuse 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 1 bottle blanc de blanc champagneShake chartreuse and fruit juices and double-strain into a glass, then top with blanc de blancs champagne.